Growing 1 man operation?

[GM]

I started my business 2 years ago. I am at the point where I have enough business to keep me busy. I book about $6,000 / month working as a 1 man operation. I still could use a little more commercial business to fill my Monday/Tuesday schedule but I think by next summer I could have that with alittle more work. I would like to take my lawn care business to the point I can hire 1 to 2 additional people besides myself. Any good advice as to how to make that big jump.

I am thinking I need to put together a more aggresive marketing program. Such as a good size add in the local paper, direct marketing to include cold calling or even walk into businesses. Also, where is a good place to find quality seasonal workers? Temp service?

Any advice welcome!

Thanks
GM

[PNA]

GM,
While my sales per month is less than yours (Yes, I live in Florida; land of the cheap!), I am in the same boat. I've been in the business for just a little longer than you and I'm at the point where I can not do much more than I am already doing. I need to hire another person but I don't have enough work to offer a full time position to someone which limits my pool of available persons. Also, I have found it very difficult to hire a good person who is dependable and able to work in Florida's environment 8 hours a day/5 days a week.

I'm kind of stuck where I am until I get a good person who can assit me with the labor. How do I get that person?

PNA

[Ric]

GM,
While my sales per month is less than yours (Yes, I live in Florida; land of the cheap!), I am in the same boat. I've been in the business for just a little longer than you and I'm at the point where I can not do much more than I am already doing. I need to hire another person but I don't have enough work to offer a full time position to someone which limits my pool of available persons. Also, I have found it very difficult to hire a good person who is dependable and able to work in Florida's environment 8 hours a day/5 days a week.

I'm kind of stuck where I am until I get a good person who can assit me with the labor. How do I get that person?

PNA

PNA

Try North Ft Myers and the Mexican connection. I have been in your shoes and fought it for years. I got Luck and made the Mexican connection.

[Shoal]

Just what is the mexican connection? is this illegal workers? just remember it is illegal to hire illegal Imigrants. they are hard to write off too. you can run them with a cash tag but only a few hundred $ then things are different.

[Ric]

Just what is the mexican connection? is this illegal workers? just remember it is illegal to hire illegal Imigrants. they are hard to write off too. you can run them with a cash tag but only a few hundred $ then things are different.

Relax Shoal

As long as they have a green card and you make a copy of it you are in great shape. True these Green Cards may be counterfeit but you are covered. Truth of the matter, Here in Florida we couldn't survive without the illegals. ISN knows this and has political pressure not to enforce the law. Don't fight city hall just work around them.

[PNA]

Knowing only a little spanish has made this difficult for me. I need to just keep trying until I find the right one.
PNA

[Shoal]

hey Ric, No quile, but I would love to know that connection of hiring legal Mexicans or at that any legal "south of the border" imigrant. they have a great work ethic. If you could let me know how to find a Mexican with a green card I would hire him. as I said this is not a trick question I only know of the illegals and I wont hire them. but legal is another thing thanks shoal

[Ric]

hey Ric, No quile, but I would love to know that connection of hiring legal Mexicans or at that any legal "south of the border" imigrant. they have a great work ethic. If you could let me know how to find a Mexican with a green card I would hire him. as I said this is not a trick question I only know of the illegals and I wont hire them. but legal is another thing thanks shoal

Shoal

Legals and illegals live in the same area and are friends and relatives. They work together and travel together. Find a Ethic store that sells to Hispanics and post a sign for help wanted Driver license required. Ever since 9/11 the state has cracked down on illegal Driver licenses.

Trabajo paisaje

certifate del operador el truco

Hable poco ingles

[Ric]

yo

Just wanted to add. If you get a Hispanic employee, pay them well and treat them right. As a general rule they have good work ethic and will stay loyal. The benefit of a good employee will out weight any communication problems. As you grow they can help you find other good employees. Also if those bigger one time jobs come up from time to time they will have many worker for you on a week-end. The longer you deal with them the more Spanish you will learn and the more English they will learn.

BTW If you don't treat them right, someone else will and you will be out.

[PNA]

Good points Ric.
PNA